Task force proposal for Emergency Medical Services funding

Paul Long / CC

PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) — Emergency Medical Services are on life support in South Dakota, with large areas considered to be ambulance deserts.  A legislative committee approved a measure this morning to create a task force to find ways to fund EMS as an essential state service.  State Health Secretary Melissa Magstadt says now is the time to act because of the millions of dollars made available by the Rural Health Transformation Fund.  The committee unanimously approved the bill to create the task force.  The measure has already passed in the state senate.